Is it too late in the year for students to find hospitality internships?

Finding a hospitality internship can seem challenging for college and university students, especially as the calendar year progresses from winter to spring to summer. This article offers valuable insights from industry experts on securing hospitality internships, even when time appears to be running out.

• Restaurants Hire Interns in Slower Seasons
• Proactive Approach Uncovers Late-Season Hospitality Opportunities
• Transportation Companies Offer Overlooked Internship Possibilities
• Water Tourism Industry Welcomes Late-Season Interns

Restaurants Hire Interns in Slower Seasons

I’m excited to share that it’s definitely not too late to find hospitality internships—I just hired two interns last month. Through my work with the California Restaurant Association, I’ve noticed many restaurants actually prefer hiring interns during slower seasons (fall/winter) because we can provide more hands-on training compared to our crazy-busy summer months. Based on my experience, I’d suggest reaching out directly to restaurants you admire, joining local hospitality associations, and checking with your school’s career center—I found some of my best interns through those channels.

Allen Kou, Owner and Operator, Zinfandel Grille

Proactive Approach Uncovers Late-Season Hospitality Opportunities

We frequently coach students pursuing careers in hospitality, one of the most dynamic and evolving industries. A question we often hear, especially in early summer, is whether it’s “too late” to find an internship. The short answer: it’s never too late—if you adjust your approach strategically.

Many hospitality students mistakenly believe that if they haven’t secured an internship by spring, the window has closed. In reality, hospitality is an industry that operates on flexible, seasonal cycles. Many employers experience last-minute needs due to staff turnover, unexpected event bookings, or expanded summer operations. Roles in hotels, event management, food and beverage, and tourism services often see hiring well into late summer or even early fall.

Students should shift their mindset from applying to “formal” internships only to proactively seeking project-based roles, seasonal positions, or shadowing opportunities that can still yield valuable experience. Smaller boutique firms and independent operators may not post internships months in advance—they often recruit on an as-needed basis. Building connections through informational interviews, alumni networks, or direct outreach to HR managers can uncover these hidden opportunities.

A recent Mindful Career client pursuing a degree in Hotel and Tourism Management came to us in June feeling discouraged. She had been aiming for a luxury hotel internship but missed early deadlines. We guided her to approach mid-sized hotels directly and pitch herself for summer events and guest relations support. Within three weeks, she secured a hybrid role assisting with guest services during a busy wedding season—a role not posted publicly.

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) 2024 Internship & Co-op Survey, nearly 34% of internships in hospitality and tourism are filled on a rolling or last-minute basis, one of the highest rates across industries. 

It is absolutely not too late for students to find meaningful opportunities in hospitality, even mid-year. The key is to embrace the industry’s unique rhythm, leverage personal outreach, and stay open to non-traditional paths that still deliver hands-on experience. With persistence and a proactive approach, students can turn what feels like a late start into a valuable career springboard.

Miriam Groom, CEO, Mindful Career Inc., Mindful Career Coaching

Transportation Companies Offer Overlooked Internship Possibilities

It’s actually a perfect time to be looking for hospitality internships. I’ve noticed that many transportation and hospitality businesses finalize their summer staffing in April-May when event season bookings become clearer.

Our bourbon trail tours and wedding transportation services ramp up significantly from May through October. This creates last-minute internship opportunities as we better understand our staffing needs. I personally hired two marketing interns in late April last year, who helped with our holiday light tours content and airport transfer promotional materials.

Consider transportation companies like ours that intersect with hospitality. We’re often overlooked compared to hotels, but offer incredible exposure to wedding planning, corporate events, and VIP client management. One of our former interns now coordinates bachelor/bachelorette party experiences after learning about itinerary development through our luxury transportation packages.

Reach out directly to marketing managers at smaller hospitality businesses. We’re much more likely to create positions for enthusiastic students than large corporations with rigid hiring timelines. Experience managing client expectations for our chauffeur services or coordinating details for special events transfers into nearly any hospitality role.

Allison Andrews, Director of Sales & Marketing, Limitless Limo

Water Tourism Industry Welcomes Late-Season Interns

It’s definitely not too late for hospitality internships! On the Gold Coast, we actually find some of our best seasonal help right around this time when students are looking for practical experience. The water tourism industry runs on a different schedule than corporate sectors, with our busiest season hitting when others are winding down.

I started my business without formal hospitality training, but my background working on farms taught me that showing up prepared and solving problems quickly matters more than timing. When I hire, I look for people who demonstrate initiative and a genuine passion for creating great experiences—formal qualifications come second.

Consider targeting smaller, owner-operated businesses like ours. We’re more flexible with start dates and can offer hands-on experience across all aspects of operations. One of our best team members joined mid-season last year with zero tourism experience, but had mechanical skills from farm work that proved invaluable for maintaining our equipment.

Don’t just apply online—show up in person if possible. When someone comes to our dock at Runaway Bay showing genuine interest in what we do, they stand out immediately. Be specific about what value you bring—whether it’s customer service skills, social media savvy, or practical know-how with equipment. That approach works better than asking if we “have any positions available.”

Giovanni Randello, Owner, Gold Coast Pontoon and Jet Ski Tours